Psalms 16:1

CONTENTS

This blessed Psalm is so directly applied, under the influence of God the Holy Ghost, by the apostles Peter and Paul, to the person and work of the Lord Jesus, that we must wholly overlook David the writer of it, (except considering him as a prophet), so as not to lose the great object intended by it, in supposing that ought of David is meant by what this Psalm contains. Here Christ, and his faith in covenant engagements, are beautifully set forth.

Michtam of David.

Psalms 16:1

This is the first time we have met with the word Michtam by way of title since we opened the book of Psalms. Various have been the translations of this word; but all agree, that it is meant to imply somewhat very important. Some have rendered it, precious; others, golden; and others, precious jewel. And as the Holy Ghost, by the apostles Peter and Paul, hath shown, that it is all about the Lord Jesus Christ, what is here said of him is precious, is golden, is a jewel indeed. Lord! I would say for myself and Reader, as we enter upon its perusal, 'Make it by the sweet savour of his name, precious indeed as ointment poured forth.' The very first opening of it, in those words of Jesus, which David here marked down by the spirit of prophecy, plainly proves to whom it belongs, by the parallel passage in Jesus's life. See John 12:27.